The return to action following the international break gave Enzo Maresca some decisions to make when selecting his starting XI.
While Enzo Fernandez and Moisés Caicedo, who were both in action for their countries in South America during the week, were selected, Marc Cucurella, captain Reece James and the ill Estevao were either on the bench or out of the squad completely. Additionally, Cole Palmer was also amongst the substitutes, and Chelsea missed his creativity in a tepid first half.
There were few chances at either end, but it was the hosts who converted one of just two shots on target for either team before the break. Jordan Henderson’s ball was weighted perfectly for Kevin Schade to run onto, and after cutting inside Tosin Adarabiayo, he found the bottom corner via a slight deflection.
In the final few minutes of the half, Chelsea threatened, with Fernández’s corner that hit the post the closest they came to an equaliser.
Brentford started the second period looking to extend their advantage, but the introduction of James and Cucurella gave Chelsea far more control. However, after the latter’s shot was saved by Caoimhín Kelleher, it was the arrival of Palmer that gave Chelsea the class they craved. Only on for a matter of minutes, the England international showed his quality by stroking into the corner from inside the area to level things up.
As both teams went in search of a winner, Schade forced a strong stop out of Robert Sánchez, while Palmer really should have given Chelsea the lead from Pedro Neto’s cutback, only for Kelleher to hold his attempt.
With the game approaching its climax, Brentford attempted to see the draw out, but Chelsea had other plans. Alejandro Garnacho, making his debut for the visitors, drove towards the byline and cut a ball back that was only half cleared, allowing Caicedo to take his time and hammer a shot into the back of the net.
At the other end, Sánchez denied Dango Ouattara as the Bees pushed forward, and they ultimately found a goal deep into injury time when Carvalho tapped home at the back post after a Schade long throw.
The result means Chelsea miss the chance to move to the table’s summit, and they will need to bounce back when they travel to Bayern Munich in the UEFA Champions League on Wednesday. Brentford, meanwhile, will be delighted to score so late on as they continue to adapt to life after Thomas Frank, Bryan Mbuemo and Yoane Wissa.
Flashscore Man of the Match: Kevin Schade (Brentford)